Celia Lara-Rios (Gwinnett County Sheriff”s Office).
Officials in Georgia have reported the arrest of a woman after discovering 25 kilos of fentanyl in her vehicle, a quantity capable of causing the deaths of approximately 12 million people. A child was also present in the car at the time.
Celia Lara-Rios, 34, stands accused of trafficking in fentanyl and use of a communication device in commission of a felony, court records show. Cops say they arrested Lara-Rios, who they say “knowingly” possessed 24,958 grams of fentanyl — about 55 pounds — during a July 14 traffic stop near her home in Lawrenceville. It was one of the largest busts in the history of the Peach State, authorities say.
The defendant also reportedly had a child in her car at the time of her arrest.
Lara-Rios was scheduled to have a bond hearing on Friday but her attorney waived it, per Atlanta Fox affiliate WAGA. Prosecutors told the TV station that Lara-Rios has ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which feds have called “one of the world’s most violent and prolific drug trafficking organizations.”
One of the cartel’s leaders who faked his own death was arrested last year while living a life of luxury. Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa, the son-in-law of its leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” faces charges of international drug trafficking and money laundering after cops nabbed him in California, federal prosecutors said.
According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, just 2 milligrams of fentanyl can kill a person depending on their size, tolerance and past usage.
As for Lara-Rios, she does not appear to be getting out of the Gwinnett County Jail anytime soon. In addition to having a no-bond status, officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement have a hold on her. It’s unclear when she will next appear in court.
